GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur
Up to ₹10L for first-generation deeptech founders at ideation or prototype stage.
- Funding amount
- ₹10L (grant)
- Funding type
- Grant
- Provider
- InFED, IIM Nagpur (Academic)
- Application deadline
- Closed (15 Mar 2026)
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 is a government-backed early-stage startup support initiative implemented by InFED at IIM Nagpur, with backing from MeitY Startup Hub and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India. Part of the broader GENESIS initiative, the program aims to strengthen India's deep-tech startup ecosystem by providing structured support to innovators developing emerging technology solutions. The program is designed specifically for first-generation entrepreneurs and technology innovators building startups in advanced electronics, information technology, and deep-tech domains. It focuses on early innovation phases such as ideation, concept validation, proof of concept, and prototype development. Selected participants receive financial support of up to ₹10 lakh to develop their startup idea or prototype, allowing them to focus full-time on product development, technology validation, and early experimentation without immediate external capital pressure. In addition to funding, the program provides incubation support through InFED at IIM Nagpur, including mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and domain experts, co-working space, technical guidance, and exposure to investors, corporates, and innovation partners. This comprehensive support aims to accelerate product-market readiness and build strong technical foundations for deep-tech startups.
Highlights
- Up to ₹10 lakh grant for first-generation deep-tech founders.
- Mandatory physical incubation at IIM Nagpur.
- Open to students, founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
- Startup must be DPIIT-registered and less than 2 years old.
- Applicants must be from Tier II or Tier III cities.
- Focus on ideation to prototype stage in electronics, IT, or deep-tech.
Who can apply
Applicant must be an Indian citizen and a first-generation entrepreneur or startup founder. They may be a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student pursuing entrepreneurial activity, or a founder/co-founder of a startup. If applying as a startup founder, the startup must be DPIIT-registered and not older than 2 years. Applicants must belong to a Tier II or Tier III city. The startup must be at one of the following stages: Ideation, Concept Development, Validation, Problem-Solution Fit, Proof of Concept, or Prototype. Innovation must fall under electronics, IT, or deep-tech domains, including AI/ML, IoT, VLSI/Semiconductor, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, AR/VR, and immersive technologies. Startups must not have received more than ₹10 lakh in external or government funding. Physical incubation at InFED, IIM Nagpur is mandatory for selected participants. Support under the GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence program can be availed only once.
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
The most recent application window for GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur closed on 15 Mar 2026. Many programmes run repeat cohorts, so it is worth checking the official site for the next round.
What the funding covers
- Up to ₹10 lakh in financial support to develop your startup idea or prototype
- Structured incubation support through InFED at IIM Nagpur
- Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, domain experts, and industry professionals
- Co-working space
- Technical guidance
- Exposure to startup ecosystem stakeholders including investors, corporates, and innovation partners
About the provider
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is offered by InFED, IIM Nagpur, an academic institution. It is delivered directly by InFED, IIM Nagpur as a grant. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹10L. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding is offered?
Selected participants receive financial support of up to ₹10 lakh to develop their startup idea or prototype.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for Cohort 2 is March 15, 2026.
Who is eligible to apply?
Indian citizens who are first-generation entrepreneurs or startup founders. You can be a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate student, or a founder/co-founder of a startup. Startup founders must have a DPIIT-registered startup that is not older than 2 years. Applicants must belong to a Tier II or Tier III city, and the startup must be in ideation, concept development, validation, problem-solution fit, proof of concept, or prototype stage. Innovation should be in electronics, IT, or deep-tech (AI/ML, IoT, VLSI, cybersecurity, blockchain, quantum computing, AR/VR, etc.).
Does the program take equity?
No, the program provides a grant (financial assistance) that is non-dilutive; no equity is taken.
Is DPIIT registration required?
Yes, if you are applying as a startup founder, your startup must be DPIIT-registered. Students not yet incorporated may not need it, but startup applicants must have DPIIT registration.
Can I apply if my startup has already received funding?
Startups must not have received more than ₹10 lakh in external or government funding to be eligible.
Is physical incubation mandatory?
Yes, physical incubation at InFED, IIM Nagpur is mandatory for selected participants.
How do I apply?
You can apply via the official application form on Google Forms: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW68W-7L1Kj6HK_gaH5HR3B_ql-d7BDeC0xsVVrQItpc1a9g/viewform
Can I apply if I'm not a first-generation entrepreneur?
No, the program is specifically for first-generation entrepreneurs or startup founders.
What domains are covered?
Electronics, IT, and deep-tech domains, including AI/ML, IoT, VLSI/Semiconductor, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, AR/VR, and immersive technologies.
Who offers GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur?
GENESIS Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) Program Cohort 2 – InFED IIM Nagpur is offered by InFED, IIM Nagpur, an academic institution. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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